Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will speak to this section of the Bill. I thank the Minister for coming into the Chamber and bringing this legislation to Committee Stage. I was not able to contribute on Second Stage.

This legislation is part of the programme for Government. Ultimately, it allows for safe access, dignity and privacy to those availing of termination of pregnancy services. The legislation will create safe zones of 100 m from an entrance or exit to a premises where obstetricians, gynaecologists and GPs provide these services. All of us are getting emails from various people and organisations around the country showing that, to this day, people’s access is being intruded upon. Therefore, this legislation is urgent. It is urgent that it passes today and we do not see massive filibustering. It is important legislation to ensure women, their families and their friends who are accessing these vital services are not impeded whatsoever in getting that access.

I look forward to this Bill passing Committee Stage today without any delay. I again thank the Minister and I thank everyone in the House. It is to be hoped everyone can support this.